The spectacular Japanese community festivals known as matsuri are centuries old. Even today, in a society driven by technological advancement, these annual rites continue to function as a mechanism for purification and renewal and also to ensure all aspects of communal productivity. The pageantry of these events - their extraordinary dress, performance, and Shinto-Buddhist ritual enactment - brings communities together in an act of worship that is, as well, an extravagant artistic celebration. Dominated by the gorgeous textiles worn by troupes of participants, matsuri also boldly incorporate decorated banners, exquisitely 'dressed' festival wagons, dramatic masks, and elaborate portable shrines. The historical importance of matsuri within the cycle of annual religious events in Japan is also reflected in the representation of these festivals in several pictorial forms, from lavish screen paintings to elegant woodblock prints.This volume identifies and describes the exuberant textiles and costumes of matsuri and considers their significance within their cultural context. Many of the examples illustrated date from the Meiji period (1868-1912), the last time when handwork was produced by individual artisans for their own use or that of their neighbors. The unique focus on festival arts in this book allows us to identify the special aesthetics that differentiate the textiles worn and used on Japan's holy days. At matsuri a cascade of beautifully crafted garments in vibrant hues meets the eyes, foregrounded distinctly against the hushed simplicity of the Shinto shrine. It is an incredibly vital spectacle of human artistry at the service of a sacred occasion. Matsuri! documents the use of textiles in more than 25 different festivals scattered over the length and breadth of Japan.The book interweaves these textiles with the other arts that constitute matsuri as well as with their symbolic meanings and the history of textile making in Japan. Gorgeous photographs bring the festivals to life. Gloria Granz Gonick is a student of Japanese textiles and culture. Other contributors include Yo-ichiro Hakomori (adjunct assistant professor of architecture at the University of Southern California), Hiroyuki Nagahara (assistant professor of Japanese at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa), and Herbert Plutschow (professor of East Asian langages and cultures at UCLA and author of "Matsuri: The Festivals of Japan" among other books).
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
In addition to examining costume and fabric, the book presents the history, development, and culture of matsuri. -- Library Journal
About the Author
Gloria Granz Gonick is a student of Japanese textiles and culture. Other contributors include Yo-ichiro Hakomori (adjunct assistant professor of architecture at the University of Southern California), Hiroyuki Nagahara (assistant professor of Japanese at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa), and Herbert Plutschow (professor of East Asian languages and cultures at UCLA and author of Matsuri: The Festivals of Japan among other books).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very, Very Well Done!,
By Jeffrey T. Makoff (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Matsuri!: Japanese Festival Arts (UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series) (Hardcover)
This book documents the fascinating history of Matsuri - colorful Japanese village-level festivals. It seeks to convey an understanding of Shinto, the indigenous belief-system of Japan, through color illustrations, field and studio photographs, as well as scholarly descriptions of the lively artworks that accompany Shinto rites. The text parts of the book are interesting and well-researched. The high-quality images add elegance. "Matsuri!" is an academic resource and a lavish coffee table book. I recommend "Matsuri!" it to anyone who enjoys learning about Japanese culture and history.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read with vivid images!!,
By "ridingthewind" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Matsuri!: Japanese Festival Arts (UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series) (Paperback)
This is a wonderful book that demystifies and illuminates the role of the exuberant textiles and costumes at Shinto-Buddhist celebrations. Through her extensive ethnographic research, she uncovers not only the symbolism and social significance of Japanese festivals, but also how modern people today actively engage and exult in this tradition. Particularly fascinating is the chapter on imported textiles in Kyoto's Gion festival. Gonick's investigations in Japan and China reveal a story of trade and transmission that unexpectedly links several cultures. Central Asian tribal artisans, Indo-Persian ateliers, as well as Ainu chieftains create or convey the astonishing artworks which adorn Japanese festivals (matsuri). I recommend Matsuri! as the epitome of a crossover book that will interest academics and general readers alike.
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